FTC challenges ‘junk' patents held by 10 drugmakers, including for Novo Nordisk's Ozempic

The Federal Trade Commission is challenging alleged ‘junk’ patents held by pharmaceutical companies for 20 brand-name drugs. The agency claims that drugmakers are listing extra patents to keep drug prices high and hinder generic competitors. Letters have been sent to a number of companies, including Novo Nordisk and GlaxoSmithKline. The move is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to crack down on patent abuses in the pharmaceutical industry and make healthcare more affordable. The FTC aims to ensure Americans have timely access to affordable medicines.